Photo: http://www.osu.edu
According to several trusted US media, Ohio State University wants to trademark the word “the” when used as part of the school’s name on university merchandise. The school has filed an application for trademark registration to the US Patent and Trademark Office.
The application requests a standard character trade mark for the title “The Ohio State University”, which was the school’s former name. It is often used by students and fans of its athletic teams. If approved, the new trademark will cover various items including t-shirts, baseball caps and hats.
The school has previously secured other trademarks, including names of football coaches Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer. An Ohio State spokesman said that the university had 150 trademarks in 17 countries and other applications pending.
In a press statement issued by The Ohio State University’s communications department and published by the Associated Press, a representative of the school confirmed the application has been filed. He states that the school “works to vigorously protect the university’s brand and trademarks.”
Founded in 1870, the school was originally called the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school officially became The Ohio State University in 1878. As Ohio’s best and one of the nation’s top-20 public universities, Ohio State is further recognized by a top-rated academic medical center and a premier cancer hospital and research center. As a land-grant university, Ohio State has a physical presence throughout the state, with campuses and research centers located around Ohio.
